Cover Unveiling: Off the Ice by Julie Cross

I'm very excited to share the cover of Julie Cross's new book with you! Off the Ice is a contemporary new adult novel that features one of my favorite sports, hockey (Go Grizzlies!), and I can't wait to read the story behind this gorgeous cover. And now, without further ado, I present OFF THE ICE by Julie Cross!



Claire O’Connor is back in Juniper Falls, but that doesn’t mean she wants to be. One semester off, that’s what she promised herself. Just long enough to take care of her father and keep the family business—a hockey bar beside the ice rink—afloat. After that, she’s getting the hell out. Again.

Enter Tate Tanley. What happened between them the night before she left town resurfaces the second they lay eyes on each other. But the guy she remembers has been replaced by a total hottie. When Tate is unexpectedly called in to take over for the hockey team’s star goalie, suddenly he’s in the spotlight and on his way to becoming just another egotistical varsity hockey player. And Claire’s sworn off Juniper Falls hockey players for good.

It’s the absolute worst time to fall in love.

For Tate and Claire, hockey isn’t just a game. And they both might not survive a body check to the heart.



About Julie Cross


Julie Cross lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three children. She's a former gymnast, longtime gymnastics fan, coach, and former Gymnastics Program Director with the YMCA. She's a lover of books, devouring several novels a week, especially in the young adult and new adult genres. Outside of her reading and writing credibility's, Julie Cross is a committed--but not talented--long distance runner, creator of imaginary beach vacations, Midwest bipolar weather survivor, expired CPR certification card holder, as well as a ponytail and gym shoe addict.

Book Sketch: The Infinity of You & Me by J.Q. Coyle

THE INFINITY OF YOU & ME
By: J.Q. Coyle
Published By: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: Nov. 8, 2016
Series: None
Pages: 256
Genre: Sci-Fi
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Netgalley
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: What if every life-altering choice you made could split your world into infinite worlds?

Almost fifteen, Alicia is smart and funny with a deep connection to the poet Sylvia Plath, but she’s ultimately failing at life. With a laundry list of diagnoses, she hallucinates different worlds—strange, decaying, otherworldly yet undeniably real worlds that are completely unlike her own with her single mom and one true friend. In one particularly vivid hallucination, Alicia is drawn to a boy her own age named Jax who’s trapped in a dying universe. Days later, her long-lost father shows up at her birthday party, telling her that the hallucinations aren’t hallucinations, but real worlds; she and Jax are bound by a strange past and intertwining present. This leads her on a journey to find out who she is while trying to save the people and worlds she loves. J.Q. Coyle’s The Infinity of You & Me is a wild ride through unruly hearts and vivid worlds guaranteed to captivate.



First Thought After Finishing: This was such an inventive story!

The Infinity of You & Me was an unexpected book. Initially I was drawn to the premise and the mention of Sylvia Plath, whose poetry has always had a mysterious yet intriguing complexity.

Alicia believes that she is going crazy with her hallucinations—they aren’t simply flashes, but other worlds that seem like more than dreams. There is even a boy that she finds herself drawn to. Her mom has done everything that she can to help her, especially since her dad is not in the picture, and her one friend is school is the only one who can help her stay sane. However, at a birthday party, Alicia learns that her world—and even her hallucinations—are not what they seemed to be. As she tries to come to grips with this new reality, she realizes that one decision can change everything and learning who you can trust can make or break your world.

At the beginning, this book was hard to read. Alicia’s hallucinations were disjointed and confusing. While this may have reflected her tumultuous mind, it made for difficult reading. However, as the story moved forward, the hallucinations became worlds with unique stories and characters to anchor them. As the truth behind her hallucinations was revealed, they became fascinating adventures that left me wanting more. I found myself eagerly turning pages to see what would happen next.

While the worlds and the adventure kept the story intriguing, I found myself wanting more from the characters. I wished that the relationship could have been developed more. Alicia spent a lot of time trying to figure out who she wanted to be, and that felt unfinished still by the end of the book. If there happens to be a sequel or companion novel, I’d be glad to learn more about the worlds and the characters.

Most Memorable Aspect: The stories within the story. I would love to know how all of the different possibilities played out!

"Waiting on" Wednesday

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.



This week's selection is:

POISON'S KISS
By: Breeana Shields
Published By: Random House Books for Young Readers
Release Date: Jan. 10, 2017
Preorder the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: AMarinda has kissed dozens of boys. They all die afterward. It s a miserable life, but being a visha kanya a poison maiden is what she was created to do. Marinda serves the Raja by dispatching his enemies with only her lips as a weapon.

Until now, the men she was ordered to kiss have been strangers, enemies of the kingdom. Then she receives orders to kiss Deven, a boy she knows too well to be convinced he needs to die. She begins to question who she s really working for. And that is a thread that, once pulled, will unravel more than she can afford to lose.

This rich, surprising, and accessible debut is based in Indian folklore and delivers a story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.



Why it's Wanted:
I love the idea of this book being based on Indian folklore. I also enjoy books that involve uncovering royal conspiracies, especially when they mix in a little magic and a little romance.

End of Year Survey 2017

Number Of Books You Read: 18
Number of Re-Reads: 0
Genre You Read The Most From: Young Adult Contemporary


1. Best Book You Read In 2016?
I didn't read nearly enough books, but this is still so hard! I think my favorites were THIS ADVENTURE ENDS by Emma Mills and SPLINTERED by A.G. Howard.

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?
As hard as this is to admit, JUST ONE DAY by Gayle Forman. Something about it didn't sit right with me.

3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?
RED QUEEN by Victoria Aveyard. This book kept me guessing constantly.

4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?
I'm not sure I was a good book-pusher this year. I'll have to work on that!

5. Best series you started in 2016? Best Sequel of 2016? Best Series Ender of 2016?
Best Series Started: Splintered by A.G. Howard or Brooklyn Brujas by Zoraida Cordova
Best Sequel: CROWN OF MIDNIGHT by Sarah J. Maas
Best Series Ender: I didn't read any series enders.

6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2016?
I'm not sure if it counts as discovering...

7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?
MY ROGUE, MY RUIN by Amalie Howard and Angie Morgan. I haven't read historical romance in a while.

8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?
RED QUEEN by Victoria Aveyard.

9. Book You Read In 2016 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?
I'm not sure I'll reread any other that the one I'm currently reading--THE BEAST by J.R. Ward.

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2016?
THIS ADVENTURE ENDS by Emma Mills.

11. Most memorable character of 2016?
Sloane from THIS ADVENTURE ENDS. It was like reading myself on the page.

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2016?
THE LAST BOY AND GIRL IN THE WORLD by Siobhan Vivian. This book tugged at my heart a lot.

13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2016?
THE LAST BOY AND GIRL IN THE WORLD by Siobhan Vivian. It made me reflect on friendships a lot.

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2016 to finally read?
Is "almost all of them" an acceptable answer?

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2016?
From THE SERPENT KING: "If there was a way I could explode with beautiful heat and light, like a firecracker, that's what I'd want I want people to talk about me and remember me when I'm gone. I want to carve my name in the world."

16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2016?
A SEASON FOR FIREFLIES by Rebecca Maizel and THE UNEXPECTED EVERYTHING by Morgan Matson.

17. Book That Shocked You The Most
I'm not sure, honestly.

18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)
Celeana and Chaol. I do love Chaol.

19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year
Sloane and her friends in THIS ADVENTURE ENDS.

20. Favorite Book You Read in 2016 From An Author You’ve Read Previously
DEFENDING TAYLOR by Miranda Kenneally.

21. Best Book You Read In 2016 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:
I don't think anything falls under this.

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2016?
My fictional crushes are still claimed from boys in books from previous years.

23. Best 2016 debut you read?
THE INFINITY OF YOU & ME by J.Q. Coyle.

24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?
A tie between LABYRINTH LOST by Zoraida Cordova and SPLINTERED by A.G. Howard.

25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?
THE UNEXPECTED EVERYTHING by Morgan Matson. 26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2016?
THE LAST BOY AND GIRL IN THE WORLD by Siobhan Vivian.

27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?
My Magic 8 ball says "Ask Again Later."

28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?
None, fortunately.

29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2016?
THE INFINITY OF YOU & ME by J.Q. Coyle.

30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?
THE SERPENT KING by Jeff Zentner.


1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2016?
I should have an answer for this...next year!

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2016?
My review of THE LAST BOY AND GIRL IN THE WORLD here. It was the first one for my return to blogging.

3. Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?
My post reflecting current events in society here.

4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?
I only made it to Siobhan Vivian's signing, but it was great to start meeting Utah bloggers!

5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2016?
Returning to blogging after a long hiatus.

6. Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?
Definitely trying to get back on top of trends, release lists, and everything else that goes with blogging.

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?
I'm not sure--I'm still rebuilding a following.

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?
All of my reviews, honestly. I need to work on that for next year.

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?
Bookstagram. I am slowly learning the ropes there as well.

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?
I hadn't set any goals, but I did start blogging again, so that is a success!


1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2016 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2017?
All of them. That counts, right?

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2017 (non-debut)?
ROSEBLOOD by A.G. Howard. I LOVE Phantom of the Opera. I'm glad I don't have long to wait!

3. 2017 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?
Yes.

4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2017?
I didn't start many series, but I am looking forward to finishing some from long ago!

5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2017?
Actually blog consistently with quality content. Keep up with social media. Maybe even make it to ALA again.

6. A 2017 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone:
I haven't read any yet. The shame! However, I just got Netgally approval for COMING UP FOR AIR by Miranda Kenneally and I can't wait to read that one!

"Waiting on" Wednesday

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.



This week's selection is:

THE SECRET OF A HEART NOTE
By: Stacey Lee
Published By: Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: Dec. 27, 2016
Preorder the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: An evocative novel about a teen aroma expert who uses her extrasensitive sense of smell to mix perfumes that help others fall in love while protecting her own heart at all costs.

Sometimes love is right under your nose. As one of only two aromateurs left on the planet, sixteen-year-old Mimosa knows what her future holds: a lifetime of weeding, mixing love elixirs, and matchmaking—all while remaining incurably alone. For Mim, the rules are clear: falling in love would render her nose useless, taking away her one great talent. Still, Mimosa doesn’t want to spend her life elbow-deep in soil and begonias. She dreams of a normal high school experience with friends, sports practices, debate club, and even a boyfriend. But when she accidentally gives an elixir to the wrong woman and has to rely on the lovesick woman’s son, the school soccer star, to help fix the situation, Mim quickly begins to realize that falling in love isn’t always a choice you can make.

At once hopeful, funny, and romantic, Stacey Lee’s The Secret of a Heart Note is a richly evocative coming-of-age story that gives a fresh perspective on falling in love and finding one’s place in the world.



Why it's Wanted:
This book sounds both interesting and different. Not only am I curious about the potions that Mimosa mixes up, but also I want to know how avoiding love works out for her.

"Waiting on" Wednesday

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.



This week's selection is:

EVER THE HUNTED
By: Erin Summerill
Published By: HMH Books for Young Readers
Release Date: Dec. 27, 2016
Preorder the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, the legendary bounty hunter for the King of Malam—that is, until her father is murdered. Now outcast and alone and having no rights to her father’s land or inheritance, she seeks refuge where she feels most safe: the Ever Woods. When Britta is caught poaching by the royal guard, instead of facing the noose she is offered a deal: her freedom in exchange for her father’s killer.

However, it’s not so simple.

The alleged killer is none other than Cohen McKay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart. She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a daunting and dangerous force.



Why it's Wanted:
I love books with a fairy-tale feeling in far-away settings. I want to know what Britta's secret power is and how this story turns out!

Months in Review: The Fall

I feel like I only blinked, and now it's December. This fall has been a whirlwind of activity, between a new job, I feel like I only blinked, and now it's December. This fall has been a whirlwind of activity, between a new job, new opportunities at my old jobs, and the crazy little thing called life. Sometimes it still seems unreal that I'm teaching math, and now teaching at a college as well. I've enjoyed getting to know a new set of students, and some of the life stories that I've learned have amazed me. I hope that I'm able to do some good and maybe make math a bit easier along the way.

Outside of work, there was some radio silence on the blog during November, because I tried to do NaNoWriMo. I didn't win, unfortunately, but at least I got a good start on a new book! I was fortunate enough to spend Thanksgiving with my best friends (and best furry friend, of course). I braved Black Friday shopping at 2am. Surprisingly, the stores weren't bad at that hour. Gotta love Utah! I even managed to buy for other people, like my TBTB Secret Santa. Finally, I finished Thanksgiving break with a whirlwind musical weekend, which was the perfect way to start Advent.

And finally, here's what happened on the blog!

Books Reviewed:

This Adventure Ends by Emma Mills
Pasadena by Sherri L. Smith
Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard


Snapshot Musings

This post series features discussions on a variety of topics - namely whatever bookish things are on my mind. One of my blogging goals for 2013 was to have more discussion posts, and this feature is how I'm holding myself accountable.

Portrait of Society: A Personal Perspective


Go Indie:

This feature isn't back yet, but I hope it will be soon!


Blog Tours:

My Rogue, My Ruin by Amalie Howard and Angie Morgan


Quick Six:

Currently Reading: The Infinity of You & Me by J.Q. Coyle
Favorite Fall Reads: Splintered by A.G. Howard, This Adventure Ends by Emma Mills, Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova
Most Anticipated December Release: Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill
Total Books Read This Year: 17
Song of the Month: Roller Coaster by Luke Bryan
Television Binge: Frasier Reruns


What did your summer look like? What books are you most excited about for December?

"Waiting on" Wednesday

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.



This week's selection is:

TEACH ME TO FORGET
By: Erica M. Chapman
Published By: Merit Press
Release Date: Dec. 2, 2016
Preorder the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: This is the story of Ellery, a girl who learns how to live while waiting for the date she chose to die.

Ellery's bought the gun, made arrangements for her funeral, and even picked the day. A Wednesday. Everything has fallen into place.

Now all she has to do is die.

When her plans go awry and the gun she was going to kill herself with breaks, she does the one thing she has control over--return it and get a new one. After tormenting the crusty customer service associate by trying to return the gun with the wrong receipt, Ellery gets caught by the security guard who also happens to be someone she knows--the annoyingly perfect Colter Sawyer from her English class.

Colter quickly uncovers what she's hiding and is determined to change her mind. After confessing a closely held secret of his own, he promises not to tell hers. Ellery tries to fight her attraction to him as the shadows of her past cling tight around her, but when she's faced with another tragedy, she must decide whether her love for one boy is more important than a lifetime of pain.



Why it's Wanted:
This book sounds like a romance between two tortured souls, which has the possibility to be a story with all of the feels. I want to follow Ellery's emotional journey.

Blog Tour & Book Sketch: My Rogue, My Ruin by Amalie Howard and Angie Morgan

MY ROGUE, MY RUIN
By: Amalie Howard and Angie Morgan
Published By: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Release Date: Nov. 21, 2016
Series: Lords of Essex
Pages: ebook
Genre: Historical Romance
Reading Level: Adult (Crossover Appeal)
Source: Publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: The Marquess of Hawksfield’s lineage is impeccable and his title coveted, but Archer Croft is as far from his indulgent peers as he can get. His loathing for the beau monde has driven him to don a secret identity and risk everything in order to steal their riches and distribute them to the less fortunate.

Lady Briannon Findlay embraces her encounter with the Masked Marauder, a gentleman thief waylaying carriages from London to Essex. The marauder has stirred Brynn’s craving for adventure, and she discovers an attraction deeper than the charming thief’s mask.

Brynn is a revelation, matching Archer in intelligence, wit, and passion. Stubborn and sensuous in equal measure, she astonishes him at every turn, but when someone sinister impersonates Archer’s secret personality, and a murder is committed, Archer begins to think he doesn’t stand a fighting chance without her.



First Thought After Finishing: I wish I could have been courted by royalty in Victorian England!

I used to read a fair amount of historical romances as a teenager, but many of the characters seemed far removed from my teen self. This romance, however, has the benefit of young adult authors trying a new genre, with characters who are relatable for their ages. Even though this is a historical romance book, it definitely has crossover appeal for new adult readers who enjoy a little extra steaminess in their books.

Lady Briannon Findlay is soon to be introduced as eligible for marriage in Essex’s aristocracy. However, she would much prefer horseback riding and fencing to more ladylike pursuits such as needlepoint. Although she knows she must marry eventually, she is in no hurry to relinquish her freedom. Archer Croft is a marquess, one who would be an eligible match for Brynn, if only he were interested in finding a wife. Instead, he has family matters to contend with first and his own legacy to establish. However, when the childhood friends are thrown together again, they find that stray thoughts—and hearts—are not so easy to control.

In many ways, this book has it all—romance, history, and mystery. There are layers to the story, just as there are layers to the characters. Archer is the classic “rogue” that you want to hate, but then you get to know him and he becomes irresistible. He has that smoldering, aloof quality that inspires fantasies while also having a hidden good heart that makes you want to melt. Brynn is just the right amount of feisty to be a good match for Archer, and their chemistry is undeniable. Even though it is a romance, they had good reason to go back and forth with “will they or won’t they,” which made for an engrossing read.

On top of the romance, there is mystery. Archer’s secret identity is in danger of being revealed from the beginning, and while the mystery is put on hold for a while as romance begins, it does come back as the book goes on. It gave the story more interest and allowed the slow pace of the novel to work rather than becoming stagnant. Overall, I enjoyed my time spent in this world, and if there are sequels to this book, I would definitely be interested in reading them as well.

Most Memorable Aspect: I loved the moments of witty, wry dialogue between Brynn and Archer. As passionate as some scenes were, the early banter in their relationship jumped off the page.






~ ~ ~ ABOUT THE AUTHORS ~ ~ ~


AMALIE HOWARD grew up on a small Caribbean island where she spent most of her childhood with her nose buried in a book or being a tomboy running around barefoot, shimmying up mango trees and dreaming of adventure. 25 countries, surfing with sharks and several tattoos later, she has traded in bungee jumping in China for writing the adventures she imagines instead. She isn’t entirely convinced which takes more guts. She is the award-winning author of several young adult novels critically acclaimed by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, VOYA, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Spring 2014 Kid’s INDIE NEXT title. Her debut novel, Bloodspell, was a #1 Amazon bestseller, and the sequel, Bloodcraft, was a national silver IPPY medalist. She is also the co-author of the adult historical romance series, THE LORDS OF ESSEX. As an author of color and a proud supporter of diversity in fiction, her articles on multicultural fiction have appeared in The Portland Book Review and on the popular Diversity in YA blog. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and three children.

Find Her Online: Website | Twitter

ANGIE MORGAN is the author of several critically acclaimed young adult and middle grade books written under two other names (Page Morgan and Angie Frazier), and is now thrilled to be taking a much-anticipated leap into the world of adult romance. My Rogue, My Ruin is the first of three books in her new Lords of Essex series, co-written with good friend and fellow author, Amalie Howard. Angie lives in New Hampshire with her husband, their three daughters, and a menagerie of pets.

Find Her Online: Website | Twitter

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Teaser Tuesday (101)

I'm very excited to be one of the many blogs participating in Teaser Tuesdays! TT is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Books and a Beat. To participate:

* Grab your current read
* Open to a random page
* Share two “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"I look at the ceiling; the dark water stain overhead shifts and swirls. It's my birthday. I'm fifteen...And I don't know what the hell I'm turning into.

The room seems to shatter, its pieces scattering."


Taken from THE INFINITY OF YOU & ME
by J. Q. Coyle
Please share your teasers - post them or link to your blog!